The resurrection of Jesus: the empty tomb, the appearances of the risen Jesus, the ascension, and Christian beliefs about life after death and the significance of the resurrection.

What this dot point is asking

You need to explain the events of the resurrection of Jesus, the empty tomb, the appearances of the risen Jesus, and the ascension, and the Christian beliefs about why it matters and about life after death. CCEA examiners reward precise knowledge of the gospel accounts together with an understanding of the significance Christians attach to the resurrection: that it confirms Jesus' identity, completes his saving work, and offers the hope of eternal life. The strongest answers explain the meaning, not just the story.

The empty tomb

The empty tomb on its own does not prove the resurrection, but together with the appearances of the risen Jesus it forms the basis of the Christian belief that Jesus is alive.

The appearances and the ascension

The gospels record that the risen Jesus appeared to many people over a period of days.

• He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, who at first mistook him for the gardener until he spoke her name.
• He appeared to the disciples, showing them the wounds in his hands and side; Thomas, who had doubted, declared, "My Lord and my God!"
• He appeared on the road to Emmaus and ate with his followers, showing he was truly raised, not a ghost.
• Finally, at the ascension, Jesus was taken up into heaven before his disciples, after commissioning them to spread his message.

The appearances convinced the frightened disciples that Jesus was alive, and the ascension marks the end of his earthly appearances and his return to the Father.

The significance of the resurrection

For Christians the resurrection is the foundation of their faith. It shows that Jesus has defeated death, so death is not the end for those who believe. It confirms his identity as the Son of God and shows that his sacrifice on the cross was accepted by God. It gives the hope of eternal life: because Jesus rose, Christians believe they too will share in resurrection. Saint Paul taught that if Christ has not been raised, Christian faith is useless, which is why the resurrection is so central, and why it is celebrated every year at Easter.

How to answer a question on the resurrection

A model paragraph from this method: "The resurrection is significant for Christians because it shows that Jesus defeated death. By rising on the third day he confirmed that he is the Son of God and that his sacrifice on the cross was accepted by God. This gives Christians the hope of eternal life, because they believe that, since Jesus rose, they too will share in resurrection, which is why Saint Paul said that without it their faith would be useless." This scores well because each point is explained.

Try this

Q1. What did the women find at the tomb on the third day? [2 marks]

• Cue. The stone rolled away and the tomb empty, with an angel saying, "He is not here; he has risen."

Q2. What did Thomas say when he saw the risen Jesus? [2 marks]

• Cue. "My Lord and my God!", moving from doubt to belief when he saw Jesus' wounds.

Q3. Why is the resurrection important for Christian belief in life after death? [2 marks]

• Cue. Because Jesus rose, Christians believe death is defeated and they too will share in resurrection and eternal life.